The government’s failure to declare a state of emergency on small-scale illegal mining activities also known as “galamsey” appears to have reignited calls and criticism from concerned Ghanaians.

Several calls by individuals and groups have been made to the government to take drastic and bold measures, particularly the declaration of a state of emergency, in its fight against “galamsey”.

Galamsey: President Mahama hot as bishops pile more pressure

According to them, more stringent measures should be employed to curb illegal mining which has become the leading cause of the destruction of water bodies and forest reserves.

Here are some personalities and institutions who have called for a state of emergency on “galamsey”:

Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference

GCBC has called on President John Dramani Mahama to immediately declare a state of emergency in the country’s most affected mining areas, describing illegal mining as a “national calamity” threatening the very soul of the nation.

The bishops said “galamsey” had become one of the gravest afflictions of Ghana’s time, devastating rivers and forests, poisoning soils, endangering public health, undermining governance, and destroying livelihoods.

“Galamsey has become a cancer in our national soul. It corrodes politics, corrodes governance, and corrodes conscience,” the statement said.

Ghana National Catholic Laity Council

The GNCLC has also called for a state of emergency to be declared in mining-affected areas across the country.

“… Together with the GCBC, we call on the Government of Ghana to declare a state of emergency in the most affected mining zones. Prosecute offenders without fear or favour, including those in high office,” portions of their statement read.

Charles Marfo

A former President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), Professor Charles Marfo, called for a ruthless approach to address illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey”.

He argued that a “shoot-to-kill” strategy is the only way to end the destructive activities that have ravaged Ghana’s water bodies and forest reserves.

“Persons who have decided to destroy our water bodies and reserves are murderers and deserve to die. If ‘shoot-to-kill’ will do that for us, we have to do that,” he stated.

Professor Marfo asserted that the government must take “drastic measures,” including the declaration of a state of emergency to curb the menace that is threatening food security and human existence.

Coalition against Galamsey

The Coalition Against Galamsey is equally asking President John Dramani Mahama to declare a state of emergency in areas badly affected by illegal mining.

According to the Convenor of the Coalition, Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, the situation has gotten out of control and requires urgent action to save lives and protect the environment.

He explained that the Constitution allows a state of emergency to be declared when the actions of criminals threaten essential resources such as water, safety, and the survival of communities.

Government on the other hand, has stated that President John Dramani Mahama has not ruled out the possibility of declaring a state of emergency to tackle “galamsey”, but seeks to exhaust other alternative strategies first.

He said this in an interview on Joy FM on September 15, 2025, where he explained that while the president currently favours conventional approaches, he remains open to deploying extraordinary measures if the situation demands it.

"On the matter of a state of emergency, the president said that there are conventional approaches that are currently being deployed that he believes would help us achieve the objective of wiping out this canker once and for all. So, when it becomes necessary, a state of emergency may be deployed,” he said.

Catholic Bishops Conference proposes 'bold strategies' to Mahama amid 'galamsey' fight

The minister described a state of emergency as an “extraordinary measure” that allows the suspension of normal laws to adopt harsh or drastic steps.

Such a decision, he added, must be backed by strong justification to ensure that any accompanying consequences are worthwhile.

MAG/VPO

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